Coconut allergy, like other allergies, negatively impacts the quality of life. The individual who is sensitive to this fruit often experiences rashes, hives, upset stomach, diarrhea, difficulty in breathing, and swelling of lips or face after its consumption. Some people also experience skin allergies or contact dermatitis on application of coconut-based products. In this article, we will discuss the top 10 natural remedies to prevent Coconut Allergy.
What is Coconut Allergy?
An individual can be allergic to coconut as the body’s defense system identifies it as a harmful substance and produces an allergic reaction against it. It has been observed that contact dermatitis or skin allergies are more common in comparison to the food allergies that occur due to the consumption of coconut-based products. Also, if you are already suffering from a tree nut allergy, then it is best to consult your doctor before using coconut in your diet.
Symptoms of Coconut Allergy
Some of the common symptoms of coconut allergy are:
- Skin rashes, hives, or contact dermatitis, also called eczema.
- Nausea
- Stomach cramps
- Vomiting
- Loose Motions
- Difficulty in breathing
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Swelling of lips, face, or tongue
- Sometimes severe allergic reactions or Anaphylaxis can also occur, which includes symptoms like rapid or slow heart rate, low blood pressure, feeling confused, and loss of consciousness.
How Does Coconut Allergy Affect Your Life?
Coconut allergy can negatively impact the quality of life of sensitive individuals. Dealing with coconut allergy involves following strict diet restrictions, reading the labels carefully, and complete avoidance of coconut-based products in diet, cosmetics, and personal-care products. An individual suffering from coconut allergy can experience a wide range of symptoms, such as hives, swelling, and shortness of breath when they get exposed to the allergy-causing food item. Coconut allergy treatment involves:
- An increased degree of awareness.
- Communication about specific dietary choices.
- Take emergency pills to avoid severe allergic reactions.
Moreover, the individual needs to make adjustments in social settings or while traveling, to prevent coconuts altogether, which is quite a common ingredient in food preparations and also in personal care.
Coconut Allergy Treatment: An Ayurvedic Perspective
Ayurveda emphasizes the concept that allergies occur as some food items are Asatmaya or incompatible and causes an imbalance in doshas and poor digestive fire or agni. The poor digestive fire produces toxins or aam that produce various symptoms in the body. Ayurvedic management of coconut allergy involves a multi-faceted approach, which involves natural herbal remedies to restore doshas balance and promote an overall state of health and wellness. Additionally, the treatment involves external purification therapies or panchakarma that eliminate harmful toxins from the body and also help to maintain internal harmony.
Furthermore, Ayurveda stresses following proper daily rituals or dincharya and seasonal regime or ritucharya and also makes essential diet and lifestyle modifications as per individual unique constitution or current doshas imbalance to alleviate these imbalances and promote a state of overall health and wellness.
Top 10 Natural Remedies to Prevent Coconut Allergy
We can prevent coconut allergy by implementing the principles of Ayurveda and following all the aspects of coconut allergy treatment. Some of the common natural remedies to prevent coconut allergy are:
1. Turmeric (Curcuma Longa)
Turmeric has a natural compound, curcumin, which has anti-inflammatory properties and can also strengthen the immune system. One should include turmeric in the daily diet in the form of regular spice. Moreover, another way to boost turmeric’s anti-allergic properties is to take it in the form of a classical ayurvedic formulation known as haridra khand, and you can also take golden milk or milk infused with the goodness of turmeric to strengthen immunity and reduce the impact of harmful allergens.
2. Vasa (Adhatoda vasica)
Vasa is another potent herb that is known for its anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic properties. There are classical ayurvedic medicines that have vasa as their chief component, such as vasaavleha. (Remember, Ayurvedic medication should be taken after proper guidance and consultation from an expert and registered Ayurvedic physician).
3. Yashtimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra)
Yashtimadhu or mulethi is another potent anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory herb that promotes the immune system and also reduces the incidence of different types of food allergies. The herb has an active component that enhances its properties. You can chew a small piece around 1 inch of mulethi after proper cleaning and washing. It helps to prevent respiratory symptoms such as cold, runny nose, cough, and shortness of breath.
4. Triphala
Triphala is a classical Ayurvedic medicine that is a combination of three different fruits: haritaki, vibhitaki, and amalaki. This medicine has multiple benefits, ranging from chronic constipation, antioxidants to rasayana properties rejuvenating at a cellular level. This herbal combination helps to remove harmful toxins from the body and, therefore, subside allergy attacks.
5. Amla (Emblica officinalis)
Amla, or Indian gooseberry, is the richest natural source of vitamin C. Moreover, it is a powerful antioxidant that prevents free radical damage and also helps to remove harmful toxins from the body. You can include amla in your diet in various forms, such as boiled amla, Amla juice, dried candy, murabba, and pickles, and it is also a chief component of chyawanprash.
6. Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
Ginger has potent anti-inflammatory and immune-modulatory properties. The herb is excellent in keeping allergies at bay as it also helps in the detoxification of the body. Ginger can be added to vegetable curries and tea. Moreover, you can cut thin slices of ginger, apply black salt, add some lemon juice to it and eat it before meals. This helps to aid digestion and healthy metabolism.
7. Bhoomi Amla (Phyllanthus Niruri)
Bhoomi Amla is a potent anti-allergic, hepato-protective and immune-modulatory herb. It helps to have healthy digestion, absorption and metabolism. The herb maintains healthy liver functions and also removes harmful toxins from the body.
8. Implementation of Ayurvedic Daily and Seasonal Regime
According to Ayurveda, one must follow a healthy daily and seasonal routine that includes getting up early after performing everyday activities like clearing bowel movements, brushing and performing yoga and meditation. After that, one should do abhyanga or self-massage with medicated oils and also apply oils inside the nostrils or nasya karma. After these daily practices, one should have a bath and then have breakfast. Similarly, some seasonal routines include eating particular vegetables and fruits and also undergoing detoxification therapies under the guidance of Ayurvedic doctors.
9. Stress Management
Ayurveda believes that mental stress and anxiety lead to physical issues and health conditions. Therefore, it is essential to maintain mental health by practising relaxing techniques such as yoga, meditation, and breathing exercises.
10. Hydration with Warm Water
Ayurveda stresses that warm water can be taken to flush out excess toxins and harmful substances from the body. You can include warm water in your daily routine to flush out these harmful toxins and to maintain health and wellness.
Also Read:- 12 Herbs for Coconut Allergy Treatment Naturally
Conclusion
Coconut Allergy is a rare condition that mainly produces contact dermatitis and associated symptoms such as hives, rashes, and redness. Sometimes, the fruit also has symptoms like nausea, vomiting, stomach ache, and swelling in the lips after exposure to coconut. Coconut allergy treatment is possible with the implementation of Ayurvedic principles and following natural remedies to prevent coconut allergy.
If you are stressed as your loved one is suffering from a lower respiratory tract infection or allergy, then you can contact our diligent team of doctors headed by Dr. Sahil Gupta (CEO and Founder of IAFA). IAFA is one of the most trustworthy and committed institutions to making the world a better place through its original and holistic approach. Dr. Gupta’s team provides effective treatment for all types of allergies and respiratory infections using 100% natural and herbal products.
References
Kruse, L., Lor, J., Yousif, R., Pongracic, J. A., & Fishbein, A. B. (2021). Coconut allergy. Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, 126(5), 562-568.e1. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anai.2021.01.027